NARAN: Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that clean and green Pakistan is his vision and the government is taking bold steps for climate protection to secure the future of coming generations.
Addressing the Tiger Force volunteers during his visit to Naran on Monday, the prime minister said that promotion of tourism is a challenge for the government and huge amounts are being spent on environmental projects in the country.
He said that the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Programme will change the environment. He said that improved tourism will generate jobs and will ensure prosperity in the country. He said that illegal forest cutting will not be tolerated as Kaghan valley has much attractiveness, which is not available anywhere in the world.
Earlier, the prime minister inaugurated various measures to make the Naran Valley a tourist spot of international standard as well as to protect environment and wildlife and to provide best facilities to the tourists.
He, during his visit to the Naran Valley, also inaugurated the ‘River Bank Protection and Habitat Restoration Programme’ under which a large number of cedar and pine trees were planted during this year’s afforestation campaign in light of Prime Minister’s Clean and Green Pakistan Vision.
This programme will help protect riverbanks, prevent accumulation of silt in dams and enhance Naran’s beauty as well as improving the environment.
The prime minister, on the occasion, also distributed motorbikes among Community River Rangers to ensure surveillance of River Kunhar, its lakes and tributaries to check illegal fishing. Besides, a two-year ban has been imposed on all kinds of fishing in River Kunhar, Saif-ul-Malook and Dudipatsar lakes to raise trout and other fish varieties.
In the second phase, ‘Naran Destination Trout Trophy Fishing’ will be started under ‘Catch and Release’ strategy to keep hunting of Trout and other wildlife within the established limit. Additionally, 30,000 brown Trout fish will be released in River Kunhar to increase the population of this species.
The prime minister also started an Emergency Response Service to extend necessary help to tourists in case of emergency. He handed over machinery to the local administration to ensure cleanliness at tourist spots, which will play an important role to conserve natural beauty of Naran. He also distributed biodegradable bags among local people to discourage use of plastic bags at tourist spots.
Separately, members of the National Assembly including Rahat Amanullah Bhatti, Malik Karamat Ali, and Sardar Talib Hussain Nakai called on Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on Monday. During the meeting, they exchanged views on matters of mutual interest.
Later, women MNAs including Seemi Bukhari, Sobia Kamal Khan, Rubina Jameel, Fauzia Behram, Rukhsana Naveed, Tashfain Sardar, Wajiha Akram, Saima Naveed, and Dr Zill-e-Huma also called on the prime minister. – TLTP